Misoprostol is a drug for treating and preventing stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers, mainly due to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) . This drug will help reduce the risk of complications from stomach ulcers, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Misoprostol works by coating the stomach while inhibiting the production of stomach acid. That way, the pain from peptic ulcers can subside and the risk of complications can decrease. This drug is available in tablet form and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Misoprostol trademarks: Adlansis, Cytostol, Gastrul, Inflesco, Invitec, Mipros, Misoprostol, Misotab, Neoprost, Noprostol, Prosomed, Proster, Protecid, Sopros
What is Misoprostol
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | prostaglandin E1 analogs |
| Benefit | Treat and prevent stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers due to NSAID use |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Misoprostol for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated a fetal abnormality or risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. Misoprostol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Misoprostol
Misoprostol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking misoprostol:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Misoprostol should not be given to patients who are allergic to it or to prostaglandins.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Misoprostol should not be given to women who are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from liver disease , hypertension, heart disease , kidney failure, digestive disorders, such as colitis .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products, especially antacids that contain magnesium.
- Use contraception according to your condition to prevent pregnancy while undergoing treatment with misoprostol.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking misoprostol.
Dosage and Rules for Use Misoprostol
Misoprostol should only be given by a doctor. The following is the dosage of misoprostol for adults based on their intended use:
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Purpose: Treat gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers associated with the use of NSAIDs
. The dose is 0.8 mg, which is divided into 2-4 times, for 4 weeks. If needed, treatment can be continued for up to 8 weeks.
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Purpose: Prevent stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers due to the use of NSAIDs.
The dose is 0.2 mg, 2–4 times a day. If side effects occur, the dose can be reduced to 0.1 mg, 4 times a day.
In addition, misoprostol can be given by doctors to assist in childbirth. The dosage and method of using misoprostol for this purpose will be adjusted to the patient's condition.
How to Take Misoprostol Properly
Follow the doctor 's advice and recommendations while you are taking treatment with misoprostol. Do not increase your dose, reduce your dose, or stop your medication without first consulting your doctor.
Take misoprostol tablets after meals and at bedtime. If you forget to take misoprostol, take this medicine immediately if it is not close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose.
This drug can cause nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhea in the first week of use. If these symptoms do not go away after 8 days of using misoprostol, consult your doctor again.
Store misoprostol at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children.
Misoprostol Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interaction effects that can occur when misoprostol is used with other drugs:
- Increased risk of side effects in the form of diarrhea if taken with antacids containing magnesium
- Increased risk of uterine muscle contractions if taken with oxytocin drugs or other drugs for labor induction
- Increased risk of stomach cramps or bleeding when used with topical dinoprostone
- Decreased effectiveness of misoprostol when used with quinapril
Misoprostol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can arise after consuming misoprostol are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps or stomach pain
- Flatulence or excessive flatulence
- Hot and burning feeling in the chest ( heartburn )
- Nausea or vomiting
Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Menstrual disturbances, such as more menstrual blood than usual or irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy bleeding and tearing of the uterus when used by pregnant women
- Black bowel movements or vomiting blood